Carol and Charlie Orr wedding (1951).

The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Charles and Carol Orr Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund is a tribute to the late Charles and Carol Orr and honors their love of education and community impact. The intention of this scholarship is for a graduating senior from DeKalb High School or Indian Creek High School pursuing a degree in healthcare, agriculture, or the trades.

High school students interested in applying for the Charles and Carol Orr Memorial Scholarship are encouraged to use the Community Foundation’s Universal Scholarship Application process. Visit dekalbccf.org/scholarships for more information or to apply. Applications are open February 1 – April 1, 2024.

Charles H. Orr was born on Nov. 28, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He married Carol on March 3, 1951, in DeKalb. Charlie was a 1946 graduate of DeKalb High School, a veteran of the Korean War, worked for DeKalb Ag for 29 years, and retired from Northern Illinois University in 1993. In addition, Charlie was a farmer, a wood craftsman, and an all-around handyman who enjoyed bowling and playing golf in his free time.

Carol A. Orr (Ostewig) was a lifelong resident of DeKalb County. She was born on July 31, 1930, in Waterman IL and lived in Lee with her four sisters. She was a 1948 graduate of Waterman High School (today known as Indian Creek High School), employed at Northern Illinois Corporation for 11 years, and retired from General Electric Company in DeKalb as an assembly line worker after 27 years. Carol and Charlie were avid walkers who enjoyed traveling and spending time with family.

Carol and Charlie Orr (2007).

Upon their passing, Charlie (2011) and Carol (2023), the Orr estate created the Charles and Carol Orr Memorial Scholarship. This legacy gift also makes them the newest members of the Dinontas Society, a special community of donors to the Community Foundation who completed financial contributions as a provision of their will, charitable trust, estate, and/or memorial gift designation. Dinontas (Δίνοντας) is Greek for ‘Giving.’ The Orrs had a great love of community. They were members of First United Methodist Church of DeKalb and longtime members of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau with a special interest in 4H and FFA.

“We are honored to work with Charles and Carol’s daughter, Pamela Niemeyer, to fulfill their wishes to give back to DeKalb County in a way that is a testimony to what was important in their lives,” said Dan Templin, Community Foundation Executive Director.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Charles and Carol Orr Memorial Scholarship Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your charitable Fund, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.